Signal assembly for roadway markers

Abstract

An improved, unitary signal assembly operable to replace removeable signal assemblies of sub-surface mounted roadway markers or alternatively capable of being mounted directly to pavement surfaces comprising a load carrying, rigid, compression resistant, metal center bar for transmitting vertical loads directly to a rigid base mounted in a sub-surface depression formed in a paved roadway or directly to the roadway surface when mounted independently of such a base; the center bar being integrated with a support base carrying at least one light emitting signal device formed separate or integrally with angularly disposed sides of the base; the center bar including a laterally extending canopy at its upper end operable for protectively overhanging the upper end of a signal device to insulate the same from impact loads.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
       1. A unitary roadway marker signal assembly constructed for detachable connection to a separate underlying support, comprising: a rigid compression resistant member incorporating an elongated, vertically oriented center bar;   symmetrical canopy portions projecting integrally outward from an elongated upper end of said center bar;   a support base closely embracing said center bar and comprising a bottom, two converging side walls, two end walls and a top that is overhung by said canopy portions;   light reflective lens means mounted on at least one of said side walls;   said canopy portions overhanging and protecting said lens means from impact loads and said rigid member transmitting vertical impact loads directly to a separate underlying support.   
     
     
       2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said rigid member is metal and said support base is molded in situ about said member. 
     
     
       3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said center bar is cast iron, and said support base is ABS plastic molded intimately about said bar. 
     
     
       4. The assembly of claim 1, and pad means comprising integral lateral extensions of a lower end of said center bar for stabilizing said bar in a vertical mounted position; said pad means being adhesively secured to said underlying support. 
     
     
       5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said rigid member is cast metal and said support base is glass molded about said member to intimately embrace and support said member. 
     
     
       6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said base comprises upwardly convergent planar side walls, each formed with a lens receptive socket. 
     
     
       7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said support base is a molded shell housing said center bar, and potting material interbonding said shell and said center bar. 
     
     
       8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said base is trapezoidal in transverse cross section comprising convergent legs forming said side walls, and said light reflective lens means comprises light reflective facets molded integrally with interior faces of said side walls. 
     
     
       9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said lens means comprise unitary air gap lenses, each of said side walls having a lens receptive socket, and means sealing an air gap lens in each socket. 
     
     
       10. A unitary replaceable signal assembly for use in a roadway marker employing a heavy metal casting anchored in a depression formed in a roadway, comprising: a three-dimensional rectangular support base of trapezoidal cross section made of a first material forming an elongated central opening extending between a top wall and a planar bottom wall thereof; and   a metal center bar of a second material substantially more rigid and compression resistant than said first material, intimately embraced within said central opening and having non-vertical side walls, said bar extending between said top wall and said bottom wall and having a planar face substantially co-planar with said bottom wall to transfer forces applied to an upper end of said bar directly to an underlying metal casting on which said assembly is removeably mounted; and   at least one light emitting signal device mounted on an inclined side wall of said support base.   
     
     
       11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein an upper end of said center bar overhangs said top wall of said support base to form a protective canopy over said signal device. 
     
     
       12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein said support base is molded in situ about said center bar. 
     
     
       13. The assembly of claim 10, wherein a bottom end of said center bar includes a plurality of transverse feet having recesses therebetween filled by said support base. 
     
     
       14. The assembly of claim 10, wherein said top wall and said bottom wall of said center bar are of equal length and unequal width. 
     
     
       15. A unitary detachable signal assembly for use in a snowplowable roadway marker comprising: a three-dimensional, rectangular, support base of a first material;   said base having a trapezoidal cross section defined by end, top and bottom surfaces intersected by a pair of angularly disposed, opposing side walls;   a center bar of a second material substantially more rigid and compression resistant than said first material, extending between said top and bottom surfaces of said support base to transfer forces applied to said bar directly to a separate underlying surface on which the assembly is detachably mounted.   
     
     
       16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein said center bar has non-vertical convergings side walls, and elongated canopy portions extending laterally outward over upper ends of said sidewalls.